P&G Announces Organizational Changes

Posted: April 21, 2009

The Procter & Gamble Company announced the following organizational changes:

Hartwig Langer, president—global prestige products, will retire (effective Jan. 1, 2010) after more than 28 years of service. He will step down as division president on July 1, 2009, but will continue to serve in a special assignment to ensure a smooth transition, reporting to Ed Shirley, vice chairman—global beauty & grooming, until his retirement.

Patrice Louvet, vice president—future strategy & growth, global prestige products, has been elected president, global prestige products, succeeding Langer. Louvet will report to Shirley and will continue to be located in Geneva.

Under Langer's leadership, according to a company release, P&G fine fragrances has become one of the company's fastest-growing and successful businesses. P&G global prestige products is one of the world's largest prestige fragrance companies globally; brands include Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. In total, P&G has 23 prestige brands.

"Hartwig has been a game-changing leader and strategist," said Shirley. "He has succeeded by turning the industry's conventional business model on its head by challenging the industry paradigm that being in touch with the consumer would not yield fresh insights in an industry dominated by creative individuals. He has left an enduring legacy at P&G and in the beauty industry.